KeyTools is a South African-based application development company that has been in operation for over 10 years. Positioned as the gateway to mobile computing, KeyTools specialises in mobile application solutions for companies to quickly and accurately exchange business-critical information between a mobile device and a server database. KeyTools enables real-time connectivity and data transfer using TransPhormer, a unique middleware product, currently being migrated to Oracle technology, and is browser independent.
TransPhormer is a remote data transfer protocol which is loaded onto a dedicated server or within a partition of an existing server and is fully scalable. It allows information to be transferred with reduced connectivity time, reduced security risk, reduced data throughput and increased accuracy to a PDA, eg palmtop, laptop and certain smart phones. When activated, TransPhormer enables data transmission via GPRS/ GSM, HSCSD, or Bluetooth technologies, between the PDA and a company`s server that is hooked into its database, eg ERP, CRM, support and financial, therefore making mobile application commerce a realistic and cost-effective proposition.
Says Richard Chalk, CEO of Keytools: "What makes TransPhormer unique is the way in which it handles remote data in the field. Personnel who are often at the front line of contact with a customer, eg sales and market research, can use a PDA to send and receive information, a key to providing customer service excellence, from their company`s server over a GPRS/ GSM, HSCSD or Bluetooth network."
He says, unlike most similar mobile applications which use active server pages, only specific data is transferred between the server and the mobile device, which radically reduces time spent on connectivity and volumes of data, and in turn reduces the cost to company. "GPRS data usage is optimised - because only the pertinent data is transferred for a specific transaction, TransPhormer enhances a user`s usage of GPRS networks."
TransPhormer is browser independent which enables a user to continue using an application without having to be connected to a network. The data can be batched within the application and transferred for processing once the user`s device is reconnected to a network.
By operating independently off an open Internet connection, the data transfer protocol is further differentiated: "The devices and data packets transferred operate within the host company`s VPN environment, thus beefing up the security and ease of use of the application."
"A robust database structure is imperative to the success of our development on TransPhormer," says Chalk. "That`s where our preferred relationship with Oracle, and the Oracle9i database, became vital to us gaining a foothold in our chosen markets. This has recently resulted in KeyTools becoming a fully fledged Oracle independent software vendor."
Says Bev Scott, ISV Channel Manager for Oracle South Africa: "Oracle positions its ISV channel as an extended sales force and has invested substantial resources into developing mutually beneficial partnerships with its ISVs."
She says Oracle`s ISVs have close relationships with their customers and they have the specialist knowledge to integrate applications using Oracle technology that meet specific business requirements in niche industries. "I am very excited to have KeyTools as part of our ISV programme. The company is well positioned in the mobile market to provide additional services that will enhance Oracle`s wireless technology offering. They also provide Oracle with an opportunity to penetrate new markets."
KeyTools` chosen markets reflect the competitiveness of TransPhormer in the mobile application arena. KeyTools has products in the FMCG sector (GlobalOrder), in financial services (KeyAssess and KeyLife - insurance and assurance solutions), and in the market research and survey area, with a popular solution called Quick-Q.
Chalk adds, however, that if a client has a need that cannot be addressed by any one of KeyTool`s off-the-shelf products, then KeyTools has the expertise to develop and implement custom-built software services, around its mobile offering, that are specific to meeting a client`s unique business requirements.
The TransPhormer protocol offers flexibility not only in the application, but also in how it is deployed by customers. Says Chalk: "We can offer a full rental ASP solution, an outright licence purchase or a licence and lower-cost hosting offering. Ultimately we believe we have an application edge in the mobile market, and we want to develop our reach with our customers through our relationship with Oracle."
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